Lenny Nilson, born in Bay Shore in 1947, is a seasoned fisherman who spent his formative years on West Island, West Fire Island, where his father ran a live shrimp and killie business. Lenny comes from a long line of fishermen, with his family having emigrated from Sweden in 1929, bringing with them centuries of commercial fishing heritage. At the age of 16, Lenny started working on the bay, assisting his father in the fishing endeavors. Lenny earned a degree in Marine Biology from Suffolk Community College after serving in Vietnam. In 1971, Lenny embarked on a full-time fishing career, primarily focusing on the bay. However, from the mid-1970s to 1986, he ventured into ocean fishing as a pound fisherman with the Sunrise Fish Company. After 1986, Lenny returned to his roots in the bait business, specializing in catching the northern silverside using a haul seine out of a sharpie with a two-man crew.

Scope and Content Note
Coming from a family with a long history in commercial fishing, dating back 300 years since their emigration from Sweden in 1929, Lenny's life revolved around the waters of Long Island. Lenny's early years were spent on West Island, where his father operated a live shrimp and killie business. Lenny discusses his early life and education.  Lenny describes the intricate process of pound fishing, a technique that depended on fish migration, emphasizing the advantages of harvesting live fish for the best prices. He also highlights the drawbacks of this method, including its susceptibility to weather conditions and lack of mobility. Having witnessed changes in the fishing industry, Lenny eventually returned to the bait business in 1986, specializing in catching northern silverside. He shares the nuances of this type of fishing, including the legal challenges and the need for a keen eye to read the water effectively. Throughout the interview, Lenny emphasizes the importance of knowledge, record-keeping, and a strong work ethic in the fishing trade. He credits his success to the guidance of experienced mentors and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Lenny also delves into the art of net making, a skill he cherishes and perpetuates. He laments the decline in traditional fishing practices and the competitive nature of the industry, yet recognizes the value of passing down knowledge to future generations. Lenny's narration takes us through the ethnic diversity and historical rivalries among fishermen, particularly between Swedes and Norwegians. Despite the competitive dynamics, a code of ethics and common respect govern interactions among the fishing community. The interview concludes with Lenny reflecting on the significance of the bay in shaping his life. To him, fishing is not merely a livelihood but a therapeutic experience, providing him with spiritual and physical rejuvenation. He yearns for greater appreciation and understanding from the wider community, emphasizing that fishermen are stewards of the waters, striving to make an honest living while preserving their cherished way of life.